Evening Program Hall of Fame Inductions Skate Achievement Awards Foundation Awards Merit Awards Dennis McFarlane Award Pat Sprague Award Cherniawski STARSkate Awards Triple and Quadruple Gold Awards Long Service Recognitions Section Awards & Bursaries Jesse Smith Memorial Award Shantell Hale Awards Pre-Juvenile Women Awards AdultSkate Awards Jamie Salé Special Olympics Skater Achievement Award Coach Achievement Award Winnie Silverthorne Award Award Award Pat Fischer Award Barbara Graham Award Sectional Legacy Scholarship John Vipond Official’s Scholarship Gateway Skating Club Post-Secondary Bursary Athlete Recognitions Board of Directors Retirements Chair’s Award 2019 Section Hall of Fame Inductees

Kurt Browning

Born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, and known as the “Kid from Caroline”, Kurt Browning started skating on the outdoor rink when he was 3 years old. He moved to to train at the Royal Glenora Club at 16 years of age with coach Michael Jiranek…and the rest is history. He is a 4-time Canadian Champion and 4-time World Champion. He represented Canada in three Winter Olympics, 1988, 1992, and 1994, and earned the privilege of carrying the Canadian flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1994 Games. Browning’s other achievements include three Canadian Professional Championships and three World Professional Championships.

Barbara Graham

A legend in the sport of figure skating, Barbara Graham was respected and revered for her knowledge, fairness and integrity by skaters, coaches, judges and administrators in Canada and world wide. As the first Technical Director of the Canadian Figure Skating Association from 1972 to 1991, Barbara’s used her skating, teaching and judging background to develop the sport in Canada. She established Skater Development and Athlete Monitoring Programs and created the National Coaching Program. In 1999, Barbara settled in Edmonton as the Skating Development Specialist for Alberta-NWT/Nunavut and spearheaded many projects for skaters and coaches in the Section. Barbara passed away on May 8, 2004 and will always be remembered as “the lady in the stands with the sunglasses.” 2019 Section Hall of Fame Inductees Dennis McFarlane Dennis McFarlane had a long standing love of figure skating. A former national competitor in three disciplines, Dennis began judging when he was a teenager. He reached the highest possible ranks as an ISU World Judge and referee in singles, pairs and dance. Dennis judged at 3 Olympics, 9 World Championships and 50 major international competitions. One of his most exciting judging experiences was being on the panel when Elizabeth Manley won a silver medal at the 1988 Calgary . Prior to his passing in 2011, Dennis celebrated his Diamond Anniversary for 60 years of judging and received Honorary Official status in recognition of his service to figure skating.

Jan Ullmark For the past 50 years, Jan Ullmark has been contributing to the sport of figure skating as one of the elite coaches in Canada. A former Swedish National Figure Skating Champion and international competitor, Jan moved to Alberta in 1973. Under Jan’s leadership as Director of Skating at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton, the club rose to prominence as one of Canada’s top training centres, consistently producing national and international competitors at all levels. He has been involved as a seminar leader at provincial and national training camps and skater development seminars where he offered his knowledge and support to skaters, coaches and parents. Jan, along with his wife Cynthia, have organized and held a skating camp in Canmore for the past 20 years “Skating Vacation”. Jan inspires enthusiasm and passion for the sport at all levels and is truly a caring individual who is willing to share his knowledge, techniques and stories as he continues to develop the skaters of to- morrow. 2019 Region Achievement Awards

Edmonton Harris Kurie CanSkate Athlete Award Arianna Trieu Program Assistant Award egion R George Longay STARSkate Athlete Award Lynne Koper Volunteer Coach Award Michelle Deng CompetitiveSkate Athlete Award Monica Desmarais Officials Award Monique Moore Volunteer Award

Northwest Margo Miller CanSkate Athlete Award Kelsey Ungstad Program Assistant Award egion R Ashley Tuttle STARSkate Athlete Award

Calgary Khloe Grbavac CanSkate Athlete Award Shaylyn Jackson Program Assistant Award egion R Marcy Fodness Volunteer Award Paige Simpson STARSkate Athlete Award Kaiya Ruiter CompetitiveSkate Athlete Award Kristen Belcourt Officials Award Alison Bonney-Gregson Volunteer Coach Award

South Kesler Mack CanSkate Athlete Award Shayleen Mann Program Assistant Award egion R Brooklyn Watmough STARSkate Athlete Award Travis Hillier Volunteer Coach Award

Peace Matthew Borges CanSkate Athlete Award Annika Behnke STARSkate Athlete Award egion R Doug Vandemark Volunteer Award

Central Scarlett Addison CanSkate Athlete Award Mackenzie Hudson Program Assistant Award Region Camryn McDougald STARSkate Athlete Award Marie-France Caddy Volunteer Award Donna Randal Volunteer Coach Award

NWT Annalee Monkman CanSkate Athlete Award Brianna Goodwin Program Assistant Award egion R Claire Lehmann STARSkate Athlete Award Kim Mabbitt Volunteer Award

Northeast Declan Morgan CanSkate Athlete Award Haileigh Mercier Program Assistant Region Kaiya MacDougall STARSkate Athlete Award Shauna Neufeld Volunteer Award Tracey Zilkie Volunteer Coach Award Marilyn Chidlow Volunteer Awards Marilyn Chidlow is a native of Ponoka who has been involved in every level of skating volunteerism from the local club level through to the National Board level as the Skate Canada President from 2000 to 2006. Marilyn’s heart has always been with grassroots skating as demonstrated by her commitment to the development of the CanSkate Program while she was the National Recreational Skating Chair. The Section has been the beneficiary of Marilyn’s talent and commitment for several decades and it is the Section’s great honor to have named this award after such a fine individual.

2019 Marilyn Chidlow Volunteer Award Recipients Amanda Knock, Innisfail SC Kim Carroll, Northern Lights SC Anne Marie Behnke, Peace River SC Kim Breen, Bonnyville SC Bruce Poon, Figure 8 SC Kim Groves, Drumheller SC Cami Reber, Northern Lites SC Lindsay Wagner, Lloydminster SC Carmella Oscienny, Hay River FSC Linsey Prout, Pincher Creek SC Cheryl Fedor, Cold Lake FSC Loree Biensch, Centennial FSC Christiane Myslicki, Lake Bonavista FSC Lori Whalley, Calalta FSC Denise Bjornson, Fairview Silver Blades Louise Reid, Twilight FSC Diane Podolas, Blackfalds SC Marie-France Caddy, Lacombe SC Donna Ford, Wainwright SC Megan Smyth, St. Albert Skating Center Felice Gladue, Beaumont SC Melanie Schneider, Noralta SC Gail Hibbs, Wild Rose FSC Nadean Crooks, High Prairie FSC Jackie Rathwwell, Cremona SC Norine Hori, Canmore SC Jackie Hampton, Grande Prairie SC Olivia Tran, Ice Palace FSC Jamie Ballak, Cochrane FSC Rebecca Welch, Fliteway SC Jennifer Wagenaar, Southern Alberta SA Renee DuBourdieu, Strathmore SC Jonathan Garbutt, Calgary North Edge SA Rikki-Lee De Groen, Edmonton Synchronized SC Julie Wilcox, Beaverlodge FSC Rosalie Harder, La Crête SC Kaleena Riewe, Grimshaw SC Stacey Will, Springbank FSC Karen Oloske, Gibbons SC Stefanie Clarke, Grovedale FSC Karla Cove, Manning FSC Susan Lamash, Gateway SC Karla Powell, Foothills SC Tracy Molnar, Tri Area SC Karri Cales, Lethbridge SC Trisha Kelly, Red Deer SC Katia Chernetsov, Calgary Synchronized SC Trisha Rue, Irma SC Kelsey Volz, Marwayne SC Yvette Haggerty, Athabasca SC Kenda Goyette, Okotoks SC 2019 Skate Canada Achievement Awards

Section CompetitiveSkate Athlete Award

Kaiya Ruiter Kaiya had an outstanding 2018-2019 season, being crowned the 2019 Canadian Novice Women’s Champion and winning gold at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Kaiya believes in leading by example and she has an amazing work ethic. She is polite and kind to all members in her club and to everyone she meets. Kaiya enjoys volunteering her time to assist with her club’s CanSkate program every week.

Section STARSkate Athlete Award

Brooklyn Watmough Brooklyn is a great role model for the younger skaters and is a fantastic representation of the qualities that are so vital tothe STAR program. She truly loves to skate and is even skating on a synchronized skating team that didn’t have enough skaters of the right age to compete. She demonstrates great work ethic and is positive and encouraging toward her fellow skaters. She treats everyone at the arena with respect and exemplifies good sportsmanship. Section Volunteer Award

Monique Moore Monique contributes countless hours to figure skating in her club and the Edmonton Region. As President of the Ice Palace FSC she volunteers for various club and board activities and ensures all members of the club have a memorable skating experience. Monique is Past Edmonton Region Representative and still continues as a member of the Edmonton Region Committee to help wherever she can.

Elizabeth Swan Memorial Award The Elizabeth Swan Memorial Award recognizes an individual for their dedication and contributions to the discipline of Synchronized Skating in Canada.

Jennifer Betts The recipient of the Elizabeth Swan Memorial Award is Jennifer Betts. Jennifer has always had a strong passion for synchronized skating. Over the past 35 years, Jennifer has committed herself to developing as a Synchronized Skating official, as a Canadian Level Referee, International Technical Controller and ISU Judge. Jennifer has also volunteered her time on the Section Board of Directors and the Section Officials Coordinating Committee. 2019 Skate Canada Achievement Awards Volunteer of Excellence Award Laurie Finney Laurie has dedicated over 25 years of volunteer service to the sport of figure skating in the Section. She has always had a passion for skating and always strives to give back and lend a helping hand. Laurie started to trial judge at 14 years of age and volunteered at test days and competitions in Calgary and Southern Alberta. A highlight for Laurie was volunteering at the 1972 World Championships.

Section Program Assistant Award Shaylyn Jackson Shaylyn is an extraordinary young woman and Program Assistant. She always has a smile on her face and is pleasant to be around. She takes her love of skating and brings it to CanSkate and Pre-Can. Shaylyn excels at supporting the skaters, younger Program Assistants and CanSkate coaches.

Section CanSkate Athlete Award Declan Morgan Declan is 8 years old and loves skating. He has a dedicated program assistant to skate with him and they are such a great team. Being on the Autism spectrum is not an obstacle for Declan or anyone else when he is on the ice. He is focused, engaged and genuinely happy to be learning and advancing his skating skills.

Section Officials Award Kristen Belcourt Kristen has been an invaluable volunteer to the officials’ community in the Section. She is an active evaluator, judge, referee and has been the Tech Rep for many competitions this season. Kristen also volunteers her time as a member of the Section’s Competition Committee and she is one of the Section’s Central Registration Leads.

Section Volunteer Coach Award Lynne Koper Lynne is a dedicated coach that shows a true passion for the sport. Lynne is known in the skating world, not only for her dedicated work with her skaters but also for her incredible selflessness to the sport. She volunteers countless hours on many committees at the Section and National level, working on important developmental projects for figure skating. 2019 Alberta Figure Skating Foundation Merit Awards The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation Merit Awards recognize a skater or team that exemplifies an outstanding and memorable performance as selected by the Officials at the event.

Kyra Piekema STARSkate Merit Award STAR 6 Women

Mikala Cutler Sectionals Merit Award Pre-Novice Women

Cherniawski STARSkate Awards In honor of the Cherniawski family for their dedication to figure skating in the Section, these awards are presented to the STARSkate Championships Triathlon gold medalists.

Madison Kowaluk Karlee MacMillan Justina Schulz Gold Triathlon Silver Triathlon Bronze Triathlon

Quadruple Gold Awards Addison Pehl, Gateway SC Jennifer Hong, Gateway SC Erin Pettapiece, Derrick SC Jackson Behiel, Calalta FSC Larissa Kelly, Calgary Winter Club Mia Saunders, Calalta FSC Isabella Oszust, Okotoks SC Vienna Nodwell, Springbank FSC Josh Venema, Calalta FSC Jennifer Peters, Calalta FSC Jessica-Lee Behiel, Calalta FSC Mara Will, Springbank FSC Joshua Burger, Calalta FSC Katie Burgess, Springbank FSC Amy Hong, Ice Palace FSC Presley Busch, Glencoe Club Guadalupe Raed Di Bari, Calalta FSC Kyla Murray, Calalta FSC Kiera Fischer, St. Albert SC Mairyn Dumanowski, Cochrane SC Grace Pele, Calalta FSC Kendra Hawkins, Calalta FCS Triple Gold Awards Tori McNalley, Skate Ponoka Makayla Michel, Extreme Edge SC Keara Grovet, Lacombe SC Taylor Babcook, Tri Area SC Jocelyne Campbell, Carstairs SC Michelle Hong, Gateway SC Alanna Hickey, Noralta SC Morgan Blanchard, Skate Ponoka Erika de Ruiter, Leduc SC GJ Kmiecik, Carstairs SC Marissa Kobetitch, Okotoks SC 2019 Alberta Figure Skating Foundation

Dennis McFarlane Award This award is in memory of Dennis McFarlane. A former National competitor in three disciplines, Dennis began judging when he was a teenager. He reached the highest level recognized by the International Skating Union when he achieved World and Olympic Judge and Referee status in singles, pairs and ice dance. He was one of only a few judges in Canada to have held ISU Referee status in all disciplines at the same time. One of his most exciting judging experiences was being on the panel when Elizabeth Manley won the silver medal at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games. Prior to his passing in 2011, he received Skate Canada Honorary Official status and celebrated 60 years of officiating.

Michelle Deng The recipient of the Dennis McFarlane Award is Michelle Deng. Michelle was the highest placing Section skater in the Pre-Novice Women category at the 2019 Skate Canada Challenge, where she placed 4th.

Pat Sprague Award This award is in memory of Pat Sprague, a long-time figure skating organizer and volunteer. Pat was a dedicated mother of two skaters who was very active in the figure skating community. For 20 years she acted as Chair of the Wild Rose Figure Skating Competition. Those years of dedicated volunteer work were a contributing factor to the success of the event. She was also a Board member and Past Chair of the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation and was known as a wonderful volunteer with a respect for all aspects of the sport.

Solstice Open The recipient of the Pat Sprague Award is Solstice Open. This team was the highest placing synchronized skating team at the 2019 Skate Canada Synchronized Skating Championships. 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries Winnie Silverthorne Award This award is named in the memory of Winnie Silverthorne, one of Alberta’s great figure skating coaches. Born in England, Winnie was a former pairs skater with her brother Dennis. The Silverthorne’s placed fourth at the ISU World Championships and fifth at the 1948 Olympics. In 1950 Winnie moved to , Canada and became a figure skating coach. She later moved to Calgary where she coached at the Glencoe Club followed by the Calgary Winter Club. Winnie coached skaters of all levels and ages, including many gold medalists and Canadian Championship competitors. Her longtime student, the late Brian Pockar, was a three-time Canadian Men’s Champion and 1982 ISU World Championship bronze medalist.

Keegan Messing The recipient of the Winnie Silverthorne Award is Keegan Messing. Keegan is the 2019 Canadian Bronze medalist and 2019 World Championship competitior.

Toller Cranston Memorial Fund Athlete Award

Named after the late skater who helped to revolutionize the sport, the Memorial Fund Athlete Award was created to celebrate young skaters who display exceptional artistry on ice at the Canadian National Novice and Junior Championships. In a sport that has evolved to favor technical difficulty and feats of athleticism, Toller was known for his freedom of expression and dramatic showmanship on the ice. The recipients of the Toller Cranston Memorial Fund Athlete Award are Dawson Nodwell & Kaiya Ruiter.

Dawson Nodwell

Kaiya Ruiter 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries John Vipond Official’s Scholarship

John Vipond was an active volunteer and official in our Section. He mentored many- of ficials and served on his local Club Board and was the first Chair of the Alberta Section Board. He was a man who believed wholeheartedly in figure skating and everything it has to offer. His encouragement to continue a connection to skating through officiating was invaluable in the development of new officials. The John Vipond Official’s Scholarship is awarded to an official who is striving towards becoming an accomplished official. While aiming to reach a higher level of officiating through experience or training opportunities, the official is attending a post-secondary institution while working on achieving this goal.

Katie Badior The recipient of the John Vipond Official’s Scholarship is Katie Badior. Katie is a Novice Level Singles Judge while attending post secondary education.

Sectional Legacy Scholarship The Sectional Legacy Scholarship is supported by the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/ Nunavut Endowment Fund. The scholarship is provided to an athlete/team who has achieved success over several competitive seasons. This athlete/team, through their body of work, demonstrates a dedication to the sport, works hard to perfect their skill and has represented their club proudly within the Section.

Isabel McQuilkin & Jacob Portz The recipients of the Sectional Legacy Scholarship are Isabel McQuilkin & Jacob Portz. 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries

Kurt Browning Award Nicknamed the ‘Kid from Caroline’, Alberta’s Kurt Browning revolutionized the sport of figure skating with his unique combination of strong, yet graceful jumps, creativity and charismatic appeal. In 1988, he entered the record books as the first athlete to complete a quadruple jump in World competition, forever changing the face of men’s figure skating. One of Canada’s greatest male skaters, Browning captured four ISU World Championship titles. His unparalleled success and style earned him legions of fans around the world and many honours, including the prestigious Order of Canada. Joining the professional ranks in 1994, he continues to grace the ice with a presence like no other.

Haley Gillett The recipient of the Kurt Browning Award is Haley Gillett. Haley was the highest placing Section skater in the Junior Women category at the 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships.

Brian Pockar Award A native Calgarian, Brian Pockar won the Canadian men’s figure skating title three times culminating with a bronze medal at the ISU World Championships in 1982. His success as an amateur carried into the professional ranks where he won events such as the prestigious World Professional Championships. Off the ice, Brian provided commentary for CTV Sports and became a respected figure skating analyst. His contributions were also felt inhis numerous volunteer roles, including his participation as a member of the Advisory Committee for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

Jayden Johnson The recipient of the Brian Pockar Award is Jayden Johnson Jayden was the Juvenile Men U14 Champion at the 2019 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships. 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries

Jesse Smith Memorial Award This award is in memory of Jesse Smith. Jesse spent his entire life pursuing his passion and love for skating. He achieved his dream of competing at the senior level and upon his retirement from competitive skating, Jesse toured professionally with Disney on Ice. Being a perfectionist, he mastered every piece of music that he played on the piano. Watching Jesse skate, his appreciation of music was evident. Jesse is remembered as being humble, determined, passionate,courageous and his philosophy of life was “Discover it, Live it”. Jesse lost his battle with cancer on November 7, 2013 and the Fort Macleod FSC and Jesse’s family are honored to remember him through this award.

Kento Nakashima The recipient of the Jesse Smith Memorial Award is Kento Nakashima. Kento won the Pre-Juvenile Men U11 event at the 2019 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships.

Alberta Figure Skating Foundation

The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation is committed to recognizing the achievements of dedicated skaters at all levels. Since 1975, the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation has been supporting figure skaters and promoting their development through scholarships, sponsorship and awards. The Alberta Figure Skating Foundation relies solely on donations, volunteer fundraising efforts and memberships to fund all of its programs, competitions and events.

For more information on the Alberta Figure Skating Foundation or to become a member, please visit: www.albertafigureskatingfoundation.ca 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries

Pre-Juvenile Women Awards

The recipients of the Pre-Juvenile Award are Hailey Diep, Pre-Juvenile Women U11 and Hailey Diep Kassandra Royol Pre-Juvenile Women U13. These recipients were the gold medalists in their respective categories at the 2019 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships and the 2019 STARSkate Championships.

Kassandra Royol

Shantell Hale Awards Shantell Hale was born in 1978 and started her skating career with the Strathcona Figure Skating Club. She had big dreams, a bubbly personality and always a friendly smile and greeting. When she passed away, Shantell was on the Alberta Figure Skating Team and was one of the top junior ladies in the Section. Skating was her life, her dream, her passion - everything shedid centered around skating. Shantell will always be remembered for the beautiful, extraordinary young lady she had become and this award keeps her dreams alive.

The recipients of the Shantell Hale Award are Angelina Grant, Juvenile Women U12 and Juliette Thievin Juliette Thievin, Juvenile Women U14. These recipients were the gold medalists in their respective categories at the 2019 Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Sectional Championships.

Angelina Grant 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries Jamie Salé Special Olympics Skater Achievement Award Jamie first competed as a singles skater, winning the bronze medal in junior women at the 1994 Canadian Championships. That same year she won the bronze medal with her pairs partner Jason Turner and they were named to the 1994 Canadian Olympic Team. In 1998 her partnership was formed with and they became Olympic and World Champions.

Jamie has been a tireless champion of Special Olympics for many years and is a passionate advocate on behalf of the Special Olympics Movement’s athletes, coaches and volunteers. The Section is pleased to name this award in Jamie’s honor as a tribute to her career and to her passion, support and dedication of the Special Olympics Movement.

Moriah Van’t Land Moriah is one of the hardest working athletes in her club with a deep determination to achieve her goals. She loves to skate so much that she is also a member of the Lethbridge Ice Angels Elementary Synchronized Skating Team. Moriah enjoys being on the ice and loves the team atmosphere of skating with others. Her accomplishments this season are winning gold at the Special Olympics Alberta Winter Games, gold at the Calgary Region STARSkate Invitational and taking home a bronze medal at the 2019 STARSkate Championships.

Gateway Skating Club Post-Secondary Bursary In honour of their 50th anniversary in 2014, the Gateway Skating Club introduced the Gateway Skating Club Post- Secondary Bursary. This Bursary encourages skaters to continue competing while pursuing post-secondary education.

Asha Gumpinger & Josh Brauner Asha and Josh have a full-time training schedule while attending post-secondary. Josh is working towards his Bachelor of Health Science/Bioinformatics and Asha is working towards her Bachelor of Arts and Education Degree. 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries

Coach Achievement Award Ravi Walia The recipient of the Coach Achievement Award is Ravi Walia. Ravi Walia is the Skating Director and Head Coach of Ice Palace FSC. Over the years, many of his skaters have seen tremendous success at the national and world levels. This past year, Ravi coached Aurora Cotop, 2019 Canadian Silver Medalist and Matthew Newnham, 2019 Canadian Novice Men’s Bronze Medalist. His love for figure skating is infectious. Ravi enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge with all club members and he ensures that others are recognized for their great accomplishments and successes. Ravi is the heart and soul of the Ice Palace FSC, with his hard work, passion, experience, knowledge and dedication ensuring the success of the club.

Barbara Graham Award The Barbara Graham Award is named in memory of Barbara Graham, one of Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame members and a Canadian skating legend. A former Canadian Junior Pairs Champion and world level judge, Barbara was Technical Director for the then Canadian Figure Skating Association (CFSA) from 1972 to 1991. Her great love and passion for figure skating was supplemented by her outstanding technical knowledge and ability to envision, develop and establish programming to support the progression of the sport. Following her retirement from the CFSA, Barbara traveled overseas and was State Coaching Director for the Ice Skating Association of Queensland, Australia. She later returned to Canada and settled in Edmonton where she was the Skating Development Specialist for the Section.

Isabel McQuilkin & Jacob Portz The recipients of the Barbara Graham Award are Isabel McQuilkin & Jacob Portz. This team won the bronze medal at the 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships in the Novice Dance event. 2019 Section Awards & Bursaries

Pat Fischer Award The Pat Fischer Award is in the memory of Pat’s dedication as a volunteer and official. An invaluable member of the figure skating community in Alberta, Pat officiated at numerous test days and competitions each year. She achieved Gold Evaluator and Junior Competitive Singles status and was a respected judge and mentor. Her vast knowledge and experience was utilized as a resource to assist fellow judges and evaluators and to educate coaches. As well as officiating, Pat also volunteered as a Section accountant and technical representative for competitions. She was President and Past-President of Calalta Community Figure Skating Club and was a member of the Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Board of Directors as Officials Coordinating Committee Chair.

William Oddson The recipient of the Pat Fischer Award is William Oddson. William was the highest placing Section skater in the Pre-Novice Men’s category at the 2019 Skate Canada Challenge where he was 6th.

Creating the Edge for Life Award

Valerie Laferriere Valerie is an extremely dedicated adult skater who pushes herself to work hard to compete in multiple competitions throughout the season. She competes in both interpretive and freeskate and enjoys performing in her club’s ice show. Valerie comes to the arena ready to give it her all and she is constantly pushing herself to go further, be faster and achieve more.

Spirit & Passion of Skating Award

Julie Dayton Julie Dayton has been an active adult skater for about 10 years. She trains at 4 days a week and in addition to her full-time career as a school teacher she volunteers her time coaching with the ‘Inclusive Skating’ program. Julie is also a coach of skaters with special needs to help them reach their full potential while sharing with them her love of skating. 2019 Athlete Recognition

Michelle Deng Pre-Novice Women 2019 Canada Winter Games, Gold

Grace Pele & Joel Portz Pre-Novice Dance 2019 Skate Canada Challenge, Silver 2019 Canada Winter Games, Silver

Savanna Martel & Kobi Chant Pre-novice Dance 2019 Skate Canada Challenge, Bronze 2019 Canada Winter Games, Bronze

Matthew Newnham Novice Men 2019 Skate Canada Challenge, Silver 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, Bronze 2019 Canada Winter Games, Gold 2019 Athlete Recognition

Keegan Messing Senior Men 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, Bronze 2018 Skate Canada International, Silver 2018 , Gold

Isabel McQuilkin & Jacob Portz Novice Dance 2019 Skate Canada Challenge, Gold 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, Bronze 2019 Canada Winter Games, Bronze

Kaiya Ruiter Novice Women 2019 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, Gold 2019 Canada Winter Games,Gold 2019 Bavarian Open, Bronze Long Service Recognitions

25 year coach 25 year Official Kim Slopak Weeks Wendy Kelly Shirley Solkowski Sharon Dingle Eldon Gjesdal Don Peddle

50 Year Coach 50 Year Official Paul Thomas Adele Bonetti Jan Ullmark Cynthia Ullmark Bernard Ford Greg Folk

Club & Skating School Recognitions

50 Years 60 Years 70 Years Drayton Valley SC Lethbridge SC Crowsnest Pass SC Fairview Silver Blades SC Fort Saskatchewan SC Medicine Hat SC

Skate Canada: Alberta-NWT/Nunavut recognizes its partners, supporters and sponsors for their commitment to figure skating in the Section.